You'd be surprised how many times I've heard of a customer not understanding that you need a CABLE OUTLET to run a CABLE MODEM. You NEED a cable outlet wherever you want the cable modem, preferably a dedicated line. You CAN share a line with a TV, but it's best for the modem to have it's very own line.
You decide you want to get a cable modem. You call up the provider and get the pricing information. At that point, you need to decide if you want them to install the modem for you, or if you want to do it yourself.
If you decide that the provider is going to install it, you have to choose between a standard install or a full install. With a standard install, they will usually not touch the computer. They'll check signal levels, identify (and replace) any bad lines and hook up the cable modem. Note: If it is in the afternoon, you cannot expect the technician to do any rewiring as it is too hot to safely rewire your house. Attics reach 150 to 160 degrees in the afternoon. The computer part is up to YOU. Please do not ask a technician to do a full install if you're only paying for a standard install.
With a full install, they'll usually install a network card (if needed), configure your computer for the modem, make sure it's working properly, and give you a quick demonstration on how to access the internet.
Now, here are some important things you need to know:
The installers are not computer repair technicians: If your computer is not working properly when the installer arrives, don't expect it to work properly after he leaves, EVEN IF YOU PAID FOR A FULL INSTALL. If there are problems with your computer that will not allow the technician to install the cable modem, please do not blame the technician or even the provider. The tech will notify you that there is a problem with your computer and you will need to get it fixed before we will continue the install.
Also, please note that just because you never knew that there was a problem before you were notified, that doesn't mean it didn't exist. Computer problems are usually not noticed until you attempt to do a specific task, such as installing a cable modem. Just because your AOL or dial-up accounts work, that doesn't mean that your computer is capable or ready for high speed internet.
Technicians are not furniture movers: Please move all furniture at least a foot away from the cable outlets BEFORE the installer arrives. They are not allowed to move your furniture for you, and most technicians will refuse to. All too often, when a tech decides to be "nice" and move something, it breaks. Also, technicians are generally on a schedule, and waiting 15 minutes for your furniture to be moved could easily be used for educating you or rerunning a wire.
Please stay off the phone or temporarily suspend any distracting activities during the install process: Again, technicians are on a schedule. We understand that you get important phone calls and have things to do, but if you find the technician standing around waiting for you to hang up just so he/she can ask you a question, it's a big waste of time and quite annoying. Your time is valuable, and so is theirs. It's not easy to explain to the next customer that you were late because the last customer decided to take a shower and you had to wait to get the work order signed.
Do not follow the technician around unless he/she asks you to: Most people cannot do their jobs properly if there is someone breathing down their neck. That includes your cable technician.
Be courteous to the technician: If he comes out of your attic sweating all over the place, offer him/her some water!! This one action will go a VERY long way with most techs.
Understand that the technicians are there to make YOU, the customer happy, but it's much easier to please the customers if they are not making the technicians unhappy. Treat your cable technicians in a warm, friendly manner, and you'll notice a definite difference in the way the installation process is completed.
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by Raydr  edited by fatness
last modified: 2007-06-12 23:34:50 |
